Unofficial news and tips about Google

November 6, 2007

Five New iGoogle Themes

Here are some new iGoogle themes that will probably added soon to the customization dialog (the descriptions are from Google). To add one of these themes to the active tab, go to iGoogle and type in the address bar the JavaScript code you'll find below. Then click on "Save" in "Select a Theme For This Tab", without selecting any theme. The first theme (Solar System) changes daily, while the rest of them change depending on the time of the day.

Solar System: For those of you who like to space out, this theme will help you do so. Enjoy a different scene from our solar system on your iGoogle homepage, each day of the week.

Go to iGoogle and type in the address bar: javascript:_dlsetp('preview_skin=skins/planets.xml');

Autumn: The leaves are falling and the air is crisp. It's fall, and the raccoons are enjoying every bit of it. Follow them through the day as they tackle the onslaught of leaves and prepare for a barbecue feast.

Go to iGoogle and type in the address bar: javascript:_dlsetp('preview_skin=skins/autumn.xml');

Hong Kong: It's the Hong Kong skyline in soft beautiful colors. Add this lively cosmopolitan city to your homepage and watch as the day goes by.

Go to iGoogle and type in the address bar: javascript:_dlsetp('preview_skin=skins/hongkong.xml');

J. R.: Introducing J.R., the friendly giant monster who makes his home on your iGoogle homepage. Follow him throughout the day as he keeps himself busy going about his daily chores and hanging out with his friends.

Go to iGoogle and type in the address bar: javascript:_dlsetp('preview_skin=skins/jr.xml');

Aja Tiger: From the cave looking out, follow the Aja Tiger through the day and the seasons. This Korean theme is a fun and friendly one for your iGoogle homepage.

Go to iGoogle and type in the address bar: javascript:_dlsetp('preview_skin=skins/tiger.xml');

Planets one is really cool, thanks! Apparently the style sheet changes according to your location. I was able to manually change the style sheet using firebug to the other planets (your screen shot is Mars). There is also a moon and a sun. They're all pretty neat to look at.

Frankly, google themes are great but they take up too much of screen space with a large banner on top like feeling. Google should spread this to the whole page with the picture and objects appearing as the background.That would be really cool. Any hack for that?

So I discovered that from the xml, too, but then if you go to the css file, you can find the links for the images themselves. And some further testing shows that the images for Earth, Neptune and Uranus exist as well (and are just as impressive). The page for Pluto, alas, serves up a 404.

What's even more intriguing is that the following is found in the css file:

It's nice to have the splash of color up there, particularly if it does something useful like reflect the time of day or weather, but they all take up more room than the default logo theme. So far, I think the beach theme is the only one that is close in size to the default.

I've also heard of "easter eggs" associated with these things, but I've never heard what they consist of. Anybody ever have anything interesting happen in the themes? Maybe that would make giving up the space worthwhile (but I doubt it).

Why are most of the themes so "cutesy." Does Google think that the only users of their iGoogle themes are high school girls? I was happy to see the solar system. At least I can use that theme and not feel I have to turn in my "man card."

The new themes are great! I'm wondering what will happen to the characters in "Seasonal." Are they going to be bundling up for the winter? Will they find new friends? Will they continue to live on in an eternal summer (which although quite pleasant would also be creepy).

Those two are great, and I'd love to see more activities, possibly even dreams over their heads as they sleep...

My friends and I absolutely adore Aja Tiger.We want to see more of him/her!!

Can iGoogle please enable Aja to move?Not anything too complicated or high-tech, but some small motions would be great.Perhaps Aja snoring when he's sleeping, moving around, etc.Please! So many people would appreciate it and loooove it even more!

I know winter officially begins December 21, but it looks and feels like winter here, and I can't get the winter theme on my igoogle. Will fall automatically turn to winter, or do I need to install it? It doesn't show up as a choice when I go to "Select Theme".

I love your software. It works great and I only use gmail and google search and will probably never use outlook again. My only complaint is the skinning. I prefer a black background with a metalic silver borders. Most people who game or are into technology prefer these these darker color schemes. Cant wait to have my gmail in black (: ty Neil

Anyone know why on one system the links above the iGoogle theme banner appear above the banner and why on other systems they are inside the banner (immediately above the search textbox)? I'm vexed big time. Thanks!

can crafters get a crafting theme?? I have a special tab for my crafting newsletter links and would love to have a theme to go with it...the others don't seem to fit. ALso can we get less "cutsie" themes for things like "tea room" etc....thst sort of thing doesnt appeal to a lot of us--how about something that's more Monet-like??

hay...where is that old google theme of colored smudges that change throughout the day...was signed by japanese designer...has no catalogue of old skins, and no one to answer the question...anybody to help?

Hey, my name is Lily and I have 17 years old and I think the autumn is cool but the most beautiful theme is: Spring ScapeI love this theme and the theme isn't the same all the day the theme change her apearence during the day. in the hours the apearence is changing, and it's cool.I hope I helped you!Tanks to read itSee You!XOXOXOXOXOBye!